2019 Best Places

Best After School Program AND Best Climbing GymABC Kids ClimbingKids can’t wait until the last school bell rings on the days they get to hang out at ABC Kids Climbing. That’s because it’s a fun place where they learn a cool and fun recreational sport. Chris Hampson, COO, said they provide quality afterschool programs with a curriculum specifically designed for kids that’s created by climbers. It provides both physical and mental stimulation, he said. The teachers incorporate lots of games to get the kids engaged and they use stuffed animals and blindfolds to give kids an extra challenge. “If they are scared of heights, they don’t realize how high up they are and the blindfold teaches them about body awareness, where to put your hands and feet on the wall.” 1960 32nd St., Boulder, 303.443.5437, abckidsboulder.com.

Best Full-Day/Full-Week Summer Day CampRocky Mountain Day Camp“We are really proud that we’ve won this award every single year we have been open,” says David Hansburg, who started the camp 12 years ago with his wife Holly. Customized for kids age 5 through 15, RMDC does day camp different. Counselors ooze enthusiasm. “They really love what they do, bring positive energy every day, and genuinely care about each and every camper,” he says. “Former campers are becoming counselors and they want to give the campers an amazing experience like they had.” Programming is adapted for every group every day. “Even though we are a day camp, a lot of what we do is based upon the best sleep-away camps in the country,” he says. “Campers can attend for the whole summer and be excited to come every single day!” 3351 S. Indiana St., Superior, 303.495.5204, rockymtndaycamp.com.

Best Dry Cleaner/LaundromatArt CleanersArt Cleaners cares about your clothing — so they put more effort into getting your clothes clean. Not an ordinary dry cleaner — they’ve turned it into an art — and they’re environmentally friendly. Green cleaning is something customers appreciate about Art Cleaners. Since they don’t use harsh chemicals like other companies, it helps preserve the fabric in your clothing — and that makes them last longer. Art Cleaners also gets it done lickety-split. With express dry cleaning services, customers get their clothes back in no time. Another nice perk — they make dry cleaning more affordable by offering coupons on their website — that way you keep a little more green in your pocket. 1501 Lee Hill Road, #6, Boulder, 303.447.8700, artcleaners.com.

Best Financial Institution/Bank AND Best Mortgage LenderElevations Credit UnionElevations Credit Union is a member-owned not-for-profit, which means the financial institution is only as prosperous as its people. “Our team works very hard to ensure that our member-owners are successful,” says Dennis Paul, the vice president of community affairs. “We strive to provide personal solutions for every single member, whether it be a banking solution or a mortgage need.” Key community services include unbiased consumer information, dozens of free financial seminars, as well as the new Forever Buffs Banking account, complete with branded debit cards and checks. Moreover, Elevations is the No. 1 provider of youth financial literacy programs in Colorado. “This award is extremely meaningful to us, as we’re passionate about providing the best service and banking solutions to our members,” says Paul. “Earning this recognition is a testament to that commitment.” 2960 Diagonal Highway, Boulder, 303.443.4672, elevationscu.com.

Best Funeral Service ProviderGreenwood & Myers MortuaryAs families deal with the loss of a loved one, there’s nothing more important in a funeral provider than quality, compassionate customer service. That’s priority No. 1 at Greenwood & Myers Mortuary, Boulder’s longstanding locally owned and family-operated funeral home. “Our service shines because everything is done by our staff. We do not outsource our services like many of our competitors,” says Michael Greenwood, owner of the mortuary. Employees are well versed in assisting with full-service or DIY funerals, memorial services and celebrations of life, as well as grief support. Burial services and cremation, along with their natural alternatives, are also available. Building on its success in Boulder County, Greenwood & Myers is adding a funeral home and crematory in Fredrick, Colorado, to serve the Carbon Valley area. 2969 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.440.3960, greenwoodmyersfuneral.com.

Best Green ServicesGreen RideGreen Ride is a simple way to reduce human impact. The business is designed to incentivize people to choose the eco-friendly ride-sharing option at a fair price — without sacrificing their valuable time, according to Manager Tate Freundlich. “Our smart hub and spoke business model allows us to be as quick as driving yourself to the airport, but without the single-occupant trip, hassle and cost.” There are even Green Ride options for businesses, conferences, weddings and general charters. Better yet, everything is local: ownership, staff and vendors. “We strive to ensure that most of the money that we spend as a business goes back into the local economy and we’re proud of that,” says Freundlich. “We’re thankful our community has helped us thrive, so we try to return the favor through good service and local patronage.” 4800 Baseline Road, #D110, Boulder, 303.997.0238, greenrideboulder.com.

Best Memory Care CenterThe Meadows Assisted Living at FrasierJulie Soltis is the director of communications with The Meadows Assisted Living at Frasier and she believes the compassionate staff and plethora of activities set them apart from other memory care programs. “Because of our amazing staff along with life-enriching social, recreational and therapeutic activities, our residents and family members love it,” she said. And the jam-packed calendar allows residents to choose from staff led trips and concerts off-site, to various activities on site — like the indoor elder grow garden. It’s a popular activity for all the green thumbs. The personalized attention each resident receives is another stand out benefit at The Meadows Assisted Living at Frasier. “It’s person-centered care where our staff work with the family and resident to come up with care plan specific to the their needs.” 4950 Thunderbird Drive, 720.562.4460, frasiermeadows.org.

Best Retirement/Alternative or Elder Care/Assisted LivingThe Academy“As a company we are very person-centered and hospitality oriented,” said Shirley Berg, executive director for The Academy, “it’s a very welcoming environment.” From food to activities, to all levels of care, The Academy customizes its program for each client, according to Berg. And because of its size and standard of care, the staff knows each resident and their families and vice-versa, creating a real richness. Set in a quiet neighborhood of Boulder, The Academy enjoys being a valued member of the surrounding community and allowing its residents to not feel isolated but instead feel part of a greater whole. 970 Aurora Ave., Boulder, 303.938.1920, theacademyboulder.com.

Best Place for WorshipUnity of BoulderReverend Shad Groverland, Minister at Unity of Boulder, says, “Unity of Boulder is unique in that we welcome all religions and ideologies, without professing that one is better than the other.” Supported by Five Basic Unity Principles, the goal of each worship service is to focus on the common message in all religions. Spiritual masters from all major world religions are often quoted in order to illustrate the commonalities, while aiming to break down walls of separation and “unite us as one people.” 2855 Folsom St., Boulder, 303.442.1411, unityofboulder.com.